The Government's Street Crime Initiative cut robberies but was criticised as a missed opportunity in a report today.

The Government's Street Crime Initiative cut robberies but was criticised as a missed opportunity in a report today.

The scheme to slash street crime was led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, who deemed escalating muggings a national emergency and ordered a crackdown in the 10 worst areas.

Today's report, by the inspectors of eight services involved in tackling street crime and its aftermath, said the initiative had been an undoubted success in reducing crime and acting as a catalyst for change. The most recent crime figures showed the overall rate in the 10 chosen areas had been cut by 17 per cent in the first year, a reduction of 17,000 victims of robbery. The inspectors also identified other major achievements including better support for victims and witnesses, especially the introduction of video ID parades.

But their report said it had also been a missed opportunity, with uncertainty over funding, poor communication between agencies and disquiet at having policing priorities imposed on forces.

The report found there was also insufficient focus on breaking the cycle of offending through effective post-sentence supervision and rehabilitation, raising questions over the long-term success of the scheme.

And claims that drug addict street robbers were receiving treatment within 24 hours of release were rejected.

The report said it was wholly misleading to say the drug addict initiative had met the target, with most offenders given appointments two or three months away.

Although they were assessed in 24 hours, delays were fundamentally counter-productive as up to 97 per cent of addicts went on to miss the appointments.

Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said the initiative had been an outstanding success.

"Results speak for themselves. These results are a real credit to the police forces who worked so hard," he said.

"Robbery traumatises victims and makes people feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods. The Government is determined to tackle it and through the Street Crime Initiative is cutting it significantly."